Your thoughts on the cartridge "Lemat" model

I would like to know, how many of you would buy a reproduction Lemat cartridge model revolver if it were available for $800.00 specifically this model shown in the link. Be aware there is no reproduction available; the one shown is an original lemat cartridge model.

http://www.horstheld.com/Lemat-25.jpg

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unknwn

December 4, 2012, 06:51 PM

I'd have one of those so long as it was suitable for use. I mean, it would have to be safe to fire and have a respectable operational lifespan.
The cylinder seems a bit short which makes me wonder what caliber it would be chambered for.
.44CS maybe ?

woodnbow

December 4, 2012, 07:40 PM

I wouldn't be interested, a new production Merwin Hulbert Army model would be really interesting...

desidog

December 5, 2012, 02:03 PM

.44CS maybe ?

http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/LeMat_Revolver

says 11mm/20ga. at the bottom.

That particular profile looks very ungainly and hard to holster; compared to the Pietta-repro's profile. If it were a little less top-heavy, perhaps. But no.... There's a lot of stuff on my list before that.

Fiv3r

December 5, 2012, 02:47 PM

I dunno. Maybe if I had some cash burning a hole in my pocket. I MIGHT drop $800 on a .45 colt Lemat, but I could never justify the price of the cap and ball model sold through Cabela's.

It looks cool, but I try to keep my pistols purchases in the sub $500 range if I can.

40 rod

December 5, 2012, 03:11 PM

If it was double-action w/ a .45lc/410 lower barrel and a .22mag +8 cylinder 6'' SS I'd be on it like a duck after a june bug!

CraigC

December 5, 2012, 03:21 PM

It could be a .44Russian or .45S&W. The line forms here, get behind me. ;)

Busyhands94

December 5, 2012, 05:07 PM

If they had those for sale at $800 I probably wouldn't buy one, just couldn't justify it. For that price I'll take a few cap and ball Colts and some Remingtons, and perhaps some conversion cylinders.

That being said, if I ever have money pourin' out my ears I'd possibly consider a Lemat. 9 rounds of .44 and a shotgun blast is a pretty cool thing to have from a handgun.

Jim K

December 5, 2012, 05:39 PM

IMHO, the LeMat was a poor idea in the 1850's and it has not improved with age. Given that the LeMat percussion repros sold for about that, and the costs of making a cartridge revolver are greater than those associated with making a percussion revolver (insurance, licensing, better steel, etc.), I doubt an $800 figure is feasible.

Still, as a novelty, it might have some sales; as any kind of practical gun, I don't think that train is going to leave the station.

Jim

Big Al Mass

December 5, 2012, 10:09 PM

Another point with a modern-production cartridge Lemat (which I am surprised nobody has brought up) is that since it has a shot barrel less than 18 inches, I think it would need to be registered with the ATF as an AOW. Am I correct on this?

Even if that was the case, I would buy one if I had the cash.

Kaeto

December 5, 2012, 11:34 PM

How about a modern made version of the original Le Mat that was modified for the Johnny Ringo western tv show?

http://www.johnnyringo.net/lemat.htm

40 rod

December 5, 2012, 11:49 PM

All afternoon since I read this post i'v been day dreaming about that 22mag/45 LC /.410 breaktop auto eject, stainless steel, double action,21st centerey,fiber optic,9"barrel horse pistol . I guess i don't care for that French renosance 44/20ga after all.

snidervolley

March 22, 2013, 07:56 PM

I don't think it would need any registration there are 410 pistols out there one by tuaras and it requires nothing ,and I would so buy one in a heart beat for that price coolest steam punk pistol ever and it's real to boot

snidervolley

March 22, 2013, 07:58 PM

It is so totally feasible

Jaymo

March 22, 2013, 08:30 PM

IMHO, the LeMat was a great idea and I would buy one in a hearbeat. That is, IF I had the disposable cash available.
Guess it's a moot point at this time. I'm having to replace 3 windshields as a result of the recent hailstorm.

Make it a double action breaktop and I'd be on it like stink on poop.

robert garner

March 23, 2013, 06:20 AM

Yes;I admire the weapon and the "Improved" grip on the model shown is a big selling point.

robert

Malachi Leviticus Blue

March 23, 2013, 10:41 AM

The AOW issue could be avoided by rifling the barrel

CraigC

March 23, 2013, 12:31 PM

The shot barrel would probably have to remain a muzzleloader, which is fine.

I would buy one just to have, if nothing else.

Jaymo

March 23, 2013, 02:34 PM

The shot barrel could be chambered for .410, or make a proprietary .50 bore shotshell and use a rifled barrel, and it would not be an SBS.
I actually prefer the original French grip style of the original, but the new grip wouldn't be a deal killer for me.
.45 acp and a .50 shotshell would make me happy.

CraigC

March 23, 2013, 03:07 PM

But how are you going to load it??? You can convert percussion revolvers to fire cartridges all day long but the shot barrel of a Lemat presents a difficult design challenge to convert it to a breechloader. If not impossible.

Jaymo

March 23, 2013, 07:22 PM

Screw barrel. just like the old screw barrel pistols. Unscrew barrel, load cartridge in barrel, screw barrel back on gun, shoot gun, repeat.
Making it a breaktop would make loading much easier for the cylinder and the shot barrel.
It could use an automatic extractor, and/or ejector, just like a break open shotgun.

CraigC

March 24, 2013, 12:45 AM

If it was a break-top with an automatic ejector it wouldn't be a Lemat anymore. ;)

snidervolley

March 24, 2013, 09:23 AM

the shot barrel was a breech loader on this gun it had its own port (the big cut out buy hammer hinge point is a loading trough for shot )the revolver loading is below right this .

Stop harshing my mellow, CraigC. :)
It would be an evolution of the LeMat. Harrington LeMat. LeMatchardson, even.
A Smith is still a Smith, even though it's not a tip-up rimfire.

Big Al Mass

March 24, 2013, 11:08 PM

But how are you going to load it??? You can convert percussion revolvers to fire cartridges all day long but the shot barrel of a Lemat presents a difficult design challenge to convert it to a breechloader. If not impossible.
Craig,

The proposed revolver is not a conversion of a percussion revolver, but a reproduction of the cartridge-firing Lemat revolver, a much different design. The one in the link: http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/general-handgun/109360-why-wasnt-lemat-revolver-ever-given-cartridge-conversion.html#8

CraigC

March 25, 2013, 02:10 PM

I should pay better attention. ;)

I still want one.

Deltaboy

April 7, 2013, 03:53 PM

Cool Gun.

BHP FAN

April 8, 2013, 03:05 AM

I second the Merwin and Hulbert revolver, but I want the Pocket Model Army with the ''skull crusher'' bird's head grip.

snidervolley

April 9, 2013, 11:36 AM

if you want personal protection get a rhino 357 (the ultimat revovler ) if you want cool
an exact replica of the lemat cartirdge revolver cant be beat

12 shot 357 Maximum and a 28 ga in the middle necked to 50 cal and rifled for the last 4 inches.
http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh518/25cschaefer/Facebook/Cool%20Gun%20Stuff/534544_10151887788270083_1793994523_n.jpg